From the blog: Much like the former pensions minister, I too like shiny sports cars. If they have an enormous spoiler, personalised number plate and an attractive price tag, then so much the better.

But, as anyone who has bought a car will know, a new vehicle is only as good as what lies beneath the glossy exterior. 

I know this from the experience of a colleague (whom I won’t name, although it is tempting) who suffered the ignominy of having to pull his flashy sports car over because it had run out of petrol – the fuel gauge wasn’t working.